2025.11.2600:41:57UTC+00Australia October Inflation Rate Above Forecasts

In October 2025, Australia's annual inflation rate increased to 3.8%, surpassing the previous month's figure of 3.6% and exceeding market expectations of a similar 3.6% rise. This rate remains above the Reserve Bank of Australia's intended target range of 2–3%. It is the highest recorded inflation level since the Australian Bureau of Statistics commenced its comprehensive monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data series in April 2025. The primary drivers of this acceleration were escalating housing costs, which climbed to 5.9% from 5.7%, and transport prices, which rose to 2.7% from 2.3%, with both categories reaching their peak since at least April. Meanwhile, food inflation held steady at 3.2%. There were also notable price increases in clothing, which surged to 5.4% from 3.8%, as well as in furnishings, household equipment and services, which went up to 2.1% from 1.8%, and in recreation and culture, rising to 3.2% from 1.8%. On a month-to-month basis, the CPI remained flat following a 0.5% increase in September.